The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Ocala, FL, concluded with strong sales, including a $1.8-million Win Win Win filly and a $1-million Authentic colt, maintaining its record of seven-figure juveniles and reflecting a competitive market with a mix of optimism and challenges for consignors and buyers.
‣ The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in 2023 showcased a strong market with five seven-figure juveniles, including a $1-million Authentic colt and a $1.8-million Win Win Win filly, reflecting the continued competitive nature and high interest in premium racehorse prospects.
‣ The sale highlighted the strength and reputation of Florida’s breeding and racing industry, with significant sales like the Florida-bred filly by first-crop sire Win Win Win selling for $1.8 million, setting a record for the O’Farrell family’s Ocala Stud and underscoring the high-quality horses and horsemen in the state.
‣ The market showed a polarization, with high demand and significant rewards for top horses, but challenges in the middle market, indicating a cautious approach from buyers possibly waiting for more opportunities at upcoming sales, reflecting the dynamic and strategic nature of the racehorse buying market.
By Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis, let’s dive into the heart of Ocala, FL. Here, at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s March Sale, excitement buzzed early with a $1-million Authentic colt. Later, a $1.8-million Win Win Win filly stole the show. This year, they matched their record with five seven-figure juveniles. As the auction wrapped up its three-day extravaganza on Thursday, it was clear this was another strong renewal.
“Overall, it was a terrific sale and we are looking forward to April,” OBS Director of Sales Tod Wojciechowski remarked, anticipation in his voice.
Across three sessions, a staggering 446 horses found new homes, amassing $66,437,600. Though the average sale price dipped slightly to $148,963, down 5.0% from last year, and the median fell to $75,000, the buzz was undeniable. The buy-back rate? A modest 25.3%. Last year, it was a tad lower at 23.2%.
This March auction, now in its ninth year as an open sale, has consistently delivered. It’s become a beacon for competitive editions and seven-figure offerings, three years running. “I think consignors are feeling more at ease,” Wojciechowski mused. “They know they can bring a horse to either March or April and do well. It’s not an either/or situation.”
Bloodstock agent Marette Farrell echoed this sentiment. The March market, she observed, was brimming with athletic horses. “Consignors weren’t shy about bringing forward, athletic horses here,” she noted. “One even said, ‘If it’s a good horse, it will be found.'”
A Florida-bred filly by first-crop sire Win Win Win became the talk of the town when she sold for $1.8 million to Amr Zedan. This sale set a record for the O’Farrell family’s Ocala Stud. “They are a legacy consignor here at OBS,” Wojciechowski said, pride evident in his voice. “Their success is a testament to their reputation and history within the industry.”
The sale’s top performers highlighted the strength of Florida’s breeding and racing industry. “Florida is still loaded with quality horses and horsemen,” Wojciechowski stated, a hint of pride in his voice.
For the second consecutive year, Zedan snagged the top-priced horse at the March sale. Last year, he purchased Muth (Good Magic) for $2 million. This year’s sale, however, underscored a market polarization.
Consignor David Scanlon opened up about the challenges. “The middle market has been tough,” he admitted. “Setting realistic reserves is key. It keeps you humble.”
Farrell speculated that buyers in the middle market might be adopting a wait-and-see approach. “The top horses are gaining momentum,” she observed. “But there’s a bit of a gap in the rest of the market.”
De Meric Sales led the consignors, with 40 horses sold for $6,595,100. Wavertree Stables followed, with 14 horses fetching $4,960,000. Hideyuki Mori, a Japanese trainer, emerged as the leading buyer, signing for 10 horses at $2,695,000.
Now, let’s shift to Ocala Stud’s homebred success. David O’Farrell was over the moon after their filly (hip 788) from Win Win Win’s first crop sold for $1.8 million. “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry,” he said, overwhelmed. “It’s incredible.”
O’Farrell knew they had something special even before the filly’s record-equaling :20 1/5 work at the under-tack preview. “We weren’t totally surprised,” he shared. “She prepped extremely well, all on her own.”
“She’s just a special filly,” O’Farrell continued, his voice filled with excitement. “The fastest we’ve had. The sky is the limit for her.”
Win Win Win, the sire, stands at Ocala Stud for $5,000. “We’re super excited about the stallion,” O’Farrell said. “We think he has a huge future.”
Ocala Stud has become a launching pad for stallions, with recent ones like Girvin and Kantharos making their mark. “To get Win Win Win off to a great start is super rewarding,” O’Farrell added.
The $1.8-million juvenile comes from a family that’s making waves on the Kentucky Derby trail this year. Ocala Stud purchased the filly’s second dam, Lady Discreet, at the 2004 OBS October sale.
Moments before Hip 788 entered the ring, the anticipation was palpable. Bids flew in from all directions, quickly surpassing the million-dollar mark. Donato Lanni, bidding for Zedan, secured the filly for $1.8 million. “Nothing surprises me at these sales anymore,” Lanni said. “Everyone knew she was the best.”
Lanni praised the filly’s cool demeanor and the Ocala Stud team’s honesty. “She comes from a great outfit,” he said. Asked about his first Win Win Win purchase, Lanni quipped, “I hope she’s a win win win.”
An Authentic colt also made waves, selling for $1 million to Resolute Bloodstock. Consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, the colt impressed with his :9 4/5 breeze. “Absolutely stunning physical,” said Gavin O’Connor from Resolute.
The juvenile is out of Ruby Trust and boasts a pedigree that would stand out in any stallion barn. Resolute Bloodstock’s purchases didn’t stop there; they also acquired a $525,000 daughter of American Pharoah and a $500,000 filly by Munnings.
The sale marked the first million-dollar sale for Authentic, the 2020 Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner. Hartley and DeRenzo had a successful run, selling a $1.5-million Not This Time colt and a $600,000 filly by Uncle Mo.
A Bernardini filly caught Marette Farrell’s eye, fetching $875,000 for Speedway Stables. “She’s a beautiful filly,” Farrell said. “We love the fact she is by Bernardini.”
Hideyuki Mori, always noticeable in his red jacket, secured a son of Constitution for $800,000. “He liked the build of the horse,” Mori’s interpreter conveyed. “You get good value for the horses here.”
The son of Constitution, bred by Don Alberto, is out of Argentine multiple group winner Sand Puce. “The intention is to get these horses to the races as early as possible,” Mori’s team shared.
As the OBS March sale concluded, it was clear that the event had once again showcased the vibrancy and depth of the thoroughbred market. From record-breaking sales to the anticipation of future stars, the sale was a testament to the industry’s enduring appeal and the excitement that surrounds the pursuit of equine excellence.
